Steelers Clinch Playoffs with Win Over Chiefs

Submitted by mike on Mon, 12/22/2014 - 19:22

The Pittsburgh Steelers clinched their first playoff spot in three years with a 20-12 win against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, whether or not the Steelers will get the AFC North title or a wild card will remain to be seen until next weekend. The Steelers were able to move past the -2.5 line for the game but they are hoping to get more than just a spot in the playoffs; they are hoping to attain a home game in the playoffs.

The game was close for the most part with the only touchdown in the first half being a run by the Steelers' Le'Veon Bell. The Chiefs had a first down near the end of the half near the end zone but a replay official found that De'Anthony Thomas only went three yards on a reception and not five. This led to a failed fourth down attempt by the Chiefs.

The Chiefs' Jamaal Charles lost a fumble in the third quarter. This led to Ben Roethlisberger's touchdown pass to Antonio Brown.

The Chiefs were limited to getting nothing but field goals from Cairo Santos. Santos made all four of his field goals with the longest being 43 yards. He also attempted an onside kick after the two minute warning but the attempt failed as the Steelers held on to get a playoff spot.

Ben Roethlisberger went 18-25 with 220 yards for the Steelers and also got six sacks. Jason Worilds had two of those sacks for the Steelers.

For the Chiefs, Alex Smith was 31-45 with 311 passing yards. The Chiefs only had 39 rushing yards during the game.

While the Chiefs fell to 8-7 and were eliminated from playoff contention, the Steelers moved to 10-5 to secure a playoff spot. The Steelers will be taking on Cincinnati next weekend to determine who will win the AFC North title. The 9-4-1 Bengals will still clinch a playoff spot if they beat Denver on Monday night but there is still a need to see who will actually win the division.